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News ​ Read about our latest activity across manufacturing industries and clusters ASK A QUESTION Dec 7, 2022 1 min Company Arginta visits Micromolds Arginta Group originates from the Lithuanian capital private limited company Arginta with the lifetime dating back to 1991. Promising... 0 comments Dec 7, 2022 1 min Laser & Engineering technologies cluster (LITEK) meets Micromolds Laser & Engineering technologies cluster LITEK was established in 2010 but cooperation between science and SMEs continues for more than... 0 comments Nov 24, 2022 1 min Clusterisation in action This week we had guests of Directors of the Alliance of Lithuanian Clusters. On the meeting agenda was Lithuanian clusters future and... 0 comments Nov 11, 2022 0 min Delegation from Finland 0 comments Aug 17, 2022 2 min Micromolds becomes member of Cluster of Manufacturing Innovators (CoMI) During the meeting cluster members discussed on the cluster future strategy 2022-2024. The meeting agenda: goal of the cluster, value... 0 comments

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Dec 5, 2022 4 min Micro Milling Microfluidic Chips Creating microfluidic chips is a difficult and precise process. Manufacturers have several options available for creating small channels,... 0 comments Nov 11, 2022 4 min Microinjection Molding Challenges The need for tiny, even micron-scale parts has increased over the past few years, and thus the relevance of micro technologies is... 0 comments Sep 22, 2022 5 min Molded Plastic Parts Surface Textures Texturing (also referred to as engraving or graining) is the procedure through which you add a pattern to the mold’s surface. Doing so... 0 comments Sep 22, 2022 5 min Injection Mold (Tool) Modification Process Before you start the mold injection process, you need to consider potential modifications. Due to the subtractive nature of mold... 0 comments Sep 13, 2022 4 min How to Reduce Injection Molding Costs Even though injection molding is a cost-effective mass production method, it does involve expenses that can add up over time. At some... 0 comments Sep 13, 2022 4 min Injection Molding Surface Finish How a product looks and feels can make a world of difference to its value. That’s why choosing the right surface finish for injection... 0 comments Sep 2, 2022 5 min Injection Molding Wall Thickness In injection molding, wall thickness is one of the most crucial design elements. Selecting the appropriate injection molding wall... 0 comments Aug 31, 2022 5 min Injection Mold Design Basics The injection molding process allows manufacturers to rapidly create parts. The process involves using a mold into which a melted... 0 comments Aug 26, 2022 5 min Injection Molding Flow Lines Injection molding is a precise process, meaning many things can go wrong. Everything from operator error to minor issues with the mold... 0 comments Aug 25, 2022 5 min Injection Molding Sink Marks Even minor errors can cause physical defects in a part during the injection molding process. These defects may damage the part’s... 0 comments 1 2 Blog ​ Your blog feed for industry 4.0 manufacturing knowledge base, in-depth insights, and expert opinions. ASK A QUESTION

Knowledge Base Read in-depth reports about plastic products manufacturing and micromolding technology. Get knowledge on product design and optimization, digital manufacturing in injection molding sector and grow with us together. CONTACT US Micromolding - in-depth Insights ​ As most of modern devices are either getting smaller or requiring tinier components, the demand for plastic micro molding continues growing. Thus it is easy to guess - this article is going to dive us in peculiarities of micro injection molding technology. Cost of injection molding (includes calculator).xlsx ​ This paper is for those who really want to understand why injection molding might be so expensive and how injection molding companies deduct their service pricing. The purpose of this piece is to take out the anxiety burden of sales engineers to tell the project cost when unprofessional RFQs are received, as well as an opposite side’s inconvenience to tell or not to tell the budget of the project. Rapid Injection Molding ​ In today fast-moving world companies have to deal with high market speeds. 'First to market wins' is still a prevailing notion. Rapid injection molding distinguishes itself from traditional injection molding mainly in respect of tooling and digitalization. Overmolding ​ The paper dives into details of overmolding (in both: conventional plastic injection molding and micro injection molding), reflects technologies used (insert molding, two-shot molding, low-pressure molding) and discusses benefits, applications, complexity, and innovations of overmolding. Mold cavity ​ ​ Mold cavity is one of the most important elements in injection molding and has a huge impact on the structural design of the molded part which must be impeccable for manufacturing process to proceed as stated in the project. This article introduces to the injection molding process for different types of cavity molds, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the cost of injection molding. Injection Molding Prototyping ​ ​ In depth insights on the topic of prototyping for injection molding, reflecting the concept of injection molding prototyping itself, its relevance and process explained. Insert Molding ​ Insert molding is a single-shot injection molding process highly applicable in manufacturing across many (e.g., medical, electronics, aerospace) industries. Even though insert molding seems to be very similar to overmolding, these two injection molding technologies differ and have their own benefits and drawbacks. Injection Molding Dilemmas: Hot or Cold Runners? ​ ​ One of the most common Injection Molding Dilemmas is how to make a right desicion whether to use Hot Runner Systems or Cold Runner Systems. This paper dives deep into the details of both systems and advises on how to make the best choice between hot and cold runners. Injection Mold Making: Types of Molds ​ ​ A mold might be the most important (and expensive) tool used in plastic injection molding. This paper explores the two main types of molds: aluminum molds and steel molds and explains the process of mold making and the most relevant things to consider. Design for Manufacturing for Injection Molding ​ ​ Design for manufacturing (DFM) refers to a process that optimizes the design of a component to make it less difficult to manufacture, cheaper, and more convenient to deal with. As design for manufacturing encounters the early stages, it is easier to optimize the product and reduce unnecessary steps and costs.

Injection Molding Dilemmas: Hot or Cold Runners? A runner refers to a channel cut into the mold that helps the molten plastic flow from the nozzle to the cavity. In injection molding, the runner plays a significant role since it directly influences mold pressure filling, melting temperature, shrinkage of the material, and wrapping of residual stresses. Based on these reasons, the selection of a runner becomes a considerable portion of the process. Meanwhile, runners can get divided into different types based on their shapes. Usually, the runner's shape is parabolic, trapezoid, half-round, wide trapezoid, and quarter-round. Table of Contents: ​ 1. Hot Runner Systems : Where and When is Hot Runner System Applicable? Conditions and Equipment Needed ​2. Cold Runner Systems: Where and When is Hot Runner System Applicable? Conditions and Equipment Needed 3. Hot or Cold Runner: How to Make a Choice? Hot Runners Advantages over Cold Runners Cold Runners Advantages over Hot Runners 4. Conclusion Anchor 1 Hot Runner Systems A hot runner system comprises two plates heated with a manifold system to maintain a consistent temperature used to inject the molten material into the mold cavities. There are several categories of hot runner systems, falling into two major categories: internally heated (suitable for better flow control) and externally heated (ideal for thermal-sensitive polymers) runner systems. Where and When is Hot Runner System Applicable? The most significant hot runner system applications are found in the plastic injection molding industry, directly or indirectly, related to the automobile industry (interior designing), aviation industry, toy industry, and medical and healthcare industry. Used by mold manufacturers in the United States, Chine, and countries in Europe, the hot runner system could create a manufacturing process cycle that has enhanced overall production quality and shortened manufacturing time. The hot runner system is used only when mass production with high quality is required; it is expensive, and waste reduction is significant since there is no sprues' and runners' waste. Besides offering a shorter cycle time, it also provides balanced melt flow and easy to initiate mechanism. Alongside, it gives fewer sink marks and under-filled parts when plastic flows through it. Conditions and Equipment Needed As far as conditions for hot runner systems are concerned, the runner's temperature and pressure should get noted and maintained. And here are the equipment or parts needed for the hot runner: Inlet: During the molding process, the resin enters the injection molding process through the inlet. ​ Manifold: Molten resin enters the heated nozzle to get injected into the mold cavity while passing through the manifold. ​ Nozzles: Hot-runner nozzles act as the connection to the cavity. They are designed individually for every new project, which may drive the cost up enormously. Likewise, they either gate into a sub-runner that will prompt the cavity or directly into the part. ​ Hot Runners: Hot runners transfer liquid plastic from nozzles into the mold cavities. ​ Locating Ring: It refers to the ring whose adjustment gets decided considering the placement of injection mold. Furthermore, it is also responsible for aligning all the nozzles together. ​ Heater Technology: Heater technology is described as a hot runner system as-a-whole. Each runner possesses the ability to manage temperature and heating systems to ensure the best performance and cost. Anchor 2 Anchor 3 Cold Runner Systems Cold runner comprises two or three plates present in the base of the mold. The molten raw material is injected into the mold from a nozzle through the sprue, filling the runners' network. Later, this network of runners leads the molten material to the cavities of the mold. Unlike hot runners, cold runners are unheated and disseminate the liquid plastic to the individual mold cavities. Where and When is Cold Runner System Applicable? Usually, the final product can be achieved using both the cold and hot runner systems. Still, it might not be economical or suitable to replace a hot runner with a cold runner or a cold runner with a hot runner system. For example, the cold runner is more cost-effective than the hot runner system, but the leading time is higher to have the final product. Similarly, the cold runner is the most suitable approach for design options and flexible gate location. While adding to its benefits, the cold runner system experiences lower thermal variations because they do not require controllers, heaters, and thermocouples to control the process. Conditions and Equipment Needed The cold runner system is a suitable choice for the low production of products. However, the condition depends on the circumstances like raw material, design of the product, and quality required. Talking about equipment or parts of the cold runner system, typically, it comprises of the following three components: 1. Sprue: It is a channel that allows the molten material to enter the mold. Sprue bushing is where the mold's nozzle itself injects the molten plastic towards the cavity. 2. Cold Runner: It refers to an unheated channel that allows the molten material from the sprue to the cavity gate. The cold runner also cools the different segments of the mold system, such as the sprue, gate, and the molded part itself. 3. Gate: Gate is a narrow and small intersection between the mold cavity and the main runner. The gate is the point from where molten material enters the cavity. There are also trimming, chilling/cooling, and metering blenders to control different parameters in a cold runner system. 4. Plates: Within this cold runner system, two or three plates are controlled inside the mold. The two-plate system is simpler to utilize, requiring an injection system to eliminate the part from the mold. In the case of a three-plate system, the runner operates on a separate plate that can be ejected independently from the runner. ​ ​ Anchor 4 Anchor 5 Anchor 6 Anchor 7 Anchor 8 Anchor 9 Hot or Cold Runner: How to Make a Choice? Both hot and cold runners are suitable, however, the demand should get considered. For example, if manufacturers want to reduce the lead time while ensuring a reasonable quality, a hot runner comes up with the best choice. On the other hand, if the lead time is not a problem and manufacturers require extreme quality, it is better to adopt a cold runner system. Correspondingly, if the capital investment is low, the cold runner is the option because otherwise, the hot runner is expensive. Furthermore, cold runners are a perfect option for low production volumes, such as in prototyping. Conversely, hot runners will, in general, be more financially savvy for medium to high production volumes. ​ Hot Runners Advantages over Cold Runners Hot runner systems have many benefits over cold runner systems, including: 1. Shorter Cycle Time Cycle time is a crucial excelling point for hot runners compared with the cold runner system. The wall thickness of the part or runner drives its cooling time. Even optimized cold runners possess 50% to 100% more cycle time than hot runners. Consequently, hot runners can improve the production rate due to the reduced cycle time. 2. Improved Efficiency of the Molding System A hot runner mold is simpler to start since there are not any hardened or solidified runners to be taken out after each under-filled shot. The mold is all set to function when the operating temperature is reached. Additionally, lower injection pressures can get used, reducing the mold/platen deflection, and minimizing the flash triggered by the movement of mold components. 3. Less Wasted Energy and Material The waste in the hot runner system is much lower than in the cold runner system. Depending upon the product's design, the cold runner might be equal to 50% to 250% of the mold part weight with a minor regrinding facility of 15%. Other than that, regrinding is an additional step that can reduce the material's mechanical properties and increase energy consumption in cold runners. Cold Runners Advantages over Hot Runners The cold runner system also has its benefits associated with the process. Here are some advantages of the cold runner system in comparison to the hot runner system. 1. Useable with Wide Variety of Polymers Hot runner systems are usually vulnerable to work with a variety of polymers. In contrast, cold runner systems have an excelling edge to this point. Heat-sensitive polymers are very hard to deal with if used in the hot runner system, and most probably, the product falls off its shape. With cold runners, heat-sensitive polymers and polymers of various chemical properties are convenient to use. 2. Inexpensive to Maintain and Produce Compared with the equipment cost required for the hot runner system, the cold runner system has a clear edge over this point. Due to inexpensive parts and equipment, the overall expenses for these runners are meager. Additionally, maintenance costs are also low since the rates of components or equipment are reasonable, and there is no need to deal with temperature variations. 3. Simplistic Design Technically, the hot runner system is more complex and challenging to understand than the cold runner system. The components of cold runner systems are straightforward in their designs, so it is easy to work with cold runner systems instead of working with hot runner systems. Conclusion Plastic injection molding is a leading force to take the global economies to their culmination. Hardly, there is an industry that does not include the use of plastic injection molding. At the same time, plastic is mandatory, whether it is the health care sector, mass transit projects, aviation industries, toy manufacturing factories, or the automobile industry. However, plastic injection molding is an intricate process that involves both the hot and cold runner systems. Concerning their use, hot runner systems have more incredible and attractive benefits than cold runner systems. But in some cases, cold runner systems seem, by all accounts, to be the only solution to the problem. In short, both approaches have their importance in their respective fields, and it now depends on requirements if the hot runner is suitable or cold is a better option. Anchor 10 Back to Top Table of Contents: ​ 1. Hot Runner Systems : Where and When is Hot Runner System Applicable? Conditions and Equipment Needed ​2. Cold Runner Systems: Where and When is Hot Runner System Applicable? Conditions and Equipment Needed 3. Hot or Cold Runner: How to Make a Choice? Hot Runners Advantages over Cold Runners Cold Runners Advantages over Hot Runners 4. Conclusion Explore our services: ​ Insert Molding Insert moulding is the process when components (e.g. wires) are encapsulated ​ READ MORE Small Parts Molding 'Micro' is not always 'micro'. If your part can fit in your hand - mold it 2x faster and cheaper with us. ​ READ MORE Micromolding Micromolding begins when microfeatures take place and vary from 100µm to 5µm in size. READ MORE Medical Injection Molding Microfluidics, OEM solutions, clean room 8 molding, sterilization and medical grade plastics. READ MORE READ MORE READ MORE

Create and prototype with micro injection molding We disrupt traditional injection molding with micro-molding technology. We mold small parts 2x faster and 2x cheaper. GET A QUOTE Molding service that you could get Explore our recent projects across the industries and see a backstage of true micro molding technology Swissinnov Product GmbH Medical device - plastic test tube prototyping. READ MORE 1.Upload CAD No registration step file Few seconds 2.Get quote Real engineer guidance Transparent pricing 1 hour 3.Optimize Design assistance Exceptional attention Free of charge 4.Manufacture Tooling + molding Resilient schedule 2 weeks 5.Get parts Packaging + assembly Shipping 1 day Small Machine Low operating costs Easy handling Small Molds Fast tooling Easy modification Aluminum + 3D print molds Cheaper tooling Easy machining How can we do this? ​ By using small machine and small aluminum molds we can offer outstanding quality to flexibility, speed and cost ratio. ​ ​ "An average project cost range up to 2500 EUR" ​ READ MORE Win at low-volume injection molding We are bridging prototyping and mass production phases and standing between 3D printing and traditional molding. READ MORE 1 Design modification free of charge Need to change some part features? No problem, the first change is on us! Fast Worldwide Delivery Through our logistics partners, we deliver faster than local competitors Next day: Europe ​ Two day: North America, Middle East, South East ​ One week: Australia, South America and Africa ​ ​ ​ We utilize space-grade aluminum alloys, manufactured using the melt-spinning process . This process creates a fine, evenly distributed crystalline structure (± 2 microns), significantly enhancing the strength of aluminum alloys. ​ ​ Aluminum as Strong as Titanium Track Your project Progress Live Stay Informed, Stay Assured. Never question your project's status . Find live updates online anytime. Ensuring you're always in the loop and confident in the timely progression of your project. Your peace of mind and project success are our top priorities Molding Specifications What kind of parts do we mold? ​ We have been working in a variety of industries and our plastic moulded components scatter across automotive, electronics, healthcare, furniture and defense industries. Products range from plastic gears to caps and closures, plastic housings for electronics and even reverse engineered injection moulded parts. ​ What are the specs? ​ Tolerances Micromolds CNC machining can maintain +/- 0.001mm tolerance and depending on plastic material specifications injected polymer tolerance can be +/- 0.04mm. ​ Minimum wall thickness Depending on a material chosen wall thickness can vary accordingly. Please check out material's page to learn more. Where are the molds produced? ​ We are not some Chinese mold makers - we make high quality aluminum micro moulds locally from product idea to CNC milling and surface finishing. Aluminum injection moulds are faster and cheaper to machine than steel moulds and can sufficiently pass ~200 000 cycles. Our highly skilled mechanical engineers design parts, their moulds and writes CNC code for machining every day. At our local facilities freshly milled aluminium moulds go straightly to moulding machines. This is why automated quoting is even possible. ​ ASK A QUESTION Contact an engineer info@micromolds.eu Tel: +370 634 44885 Nalšios g. 11, LT-14332, Vilnius, Lithuania

We employ a variety of techniques to create precise micro-sized components. These methods not only reduce material waste but also enhance efficiency and quality ​ CNC Micro milling Micro drilling Micro turning EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) Laser-based microtooling processes Microtooling precision parts GET A QUOTE Microtooling Space-grade aluminum and steel We utilize high-quality materials, including space-grade aluminum and steel, to ensure durability and precision in our mold components ​ alloy 545 alloy 5698 alloy 4535 ​ ​ ​ ​ We control tolerances at every point of microtooling When it comes to microtooling, we take meticulous measures to minimize imperfections in tolerances. Monitor the lifespan of every drill bit Implement temperature control systems throughout our facilities Employ professionally trained machining experts. These experts leverage their expertise during the mold manufacturing process to ensure the highest level of precision ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ CNC with tool sizes as small as 0.1mm and utilizing both 5-axis and 3-axis machines ​ EDM ​ Micro drilling ​ Micro turning ​ Laser-based microtooling processes - laser eching ​ ​ Multiple micromachining techniques Polishing mold surfaces using both electropolishing and traditional polishing techniques ​ Creating diverse surface finishes through sandblasting and EDM processes ​ Laser etching to achieve any super-detailed surface texture you require Surface finish with any texture Our specialties Insert moulding is the process when components (e.g. wires) are encapsulated Overmolding READ MORE Small Parts Molding 'Micro' is not always 'micro'. If your part can fit in your hand - mold it 2x faster and cheaper with us. READ MORE Medical Injection Molding Microfluidics, OEM solutions, clean room 8 molding, sterilization and medical grade plastics. READ MORE Contact an engineer info@micromolds.eu Tel: +370 634 44885 Nalšios g. 11, LT-14332, Vilnius, Lithuania

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